Premier hails renewable energy trial between QUT and Japanese company

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has congratulated QUT on its collaborative partnership with Japanese leading manufacturer Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. as they trial and develop renewable energy technologies to make solar energy systems more efficient, robust and sustainable.

The Premier said Osaka-based Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) and QUT are on the verge of signing an agreement around a concentrated solar photovoltaic demonstration project in Queensland.

“The proposed project will assess a total energy solution for off-grid communities including battery storage and energy management systems,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This solar photovoltaic demonstration project will explore renewable energy outcomes for Queensland communities.

“SEI also plan to undertake local production of their battery storage system as they find more opportunities in off-grid areas of Queensland.

“I am meeting SEI executives to reinforce that Queensland is a great location for their solar energy project and that the Palaszczuk Government is committed to renewable energy.

“This is a fantastic example of what my government is trying to achieve through our Advance Queensland program.

“This project has the potential to create employment opportunities and new industry for regional communities.”

Professor Ian Mackinnon, from QUT’s Institute for Future Environments, said the partnership would complement and boost QUT’s existing renewable energy research program.

“Our partnership with Sumitomo Electric gives us the opportunity to study the operation of large-scale renewable energy generation and storage technologies in Queensland’s climate,” Professor Mackinnon said.

Professor Mackinnon said QUT looked forward to a long partnership with Sumitomo Electric through which other renewable energy technologies could be developed, such as advanced automotive systems, advanced materials and superconductivity.

“QUT also acknowledges the assistance of the Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) Japan team in working to bring this exciting opportunity to Queensland and recognises the ongoing support of the Queensland Government for projects that have the potential to significantly deepen our research and commercialisation engagement with Japan.”

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier's office) 0417 263 791